Bulletin No. 6 from the Committee on Funeral Arrangements and Burial of the late Secretary Jesse M. Robredo

I. Ceremonial Activities and Protocol

Who is entitled to a state funeral?

The following are entitled to a state funeral:

  • The President
  • Former Presidents
  • The Vice President
  • Former Vice Presidents
  • The Senate President
  • The Speaker of the House

The above is based on the precedence observed by the Philippine government, which closely adheres to the protocol of the government of the United States.

Additionally, the following have the right to be given a state funeral by virtue of law:

  • National Artists
  • National Scientists

The President, in his capacity as head of state and commander-in-chief, has the prerogative of ordering a state funeral for any citizen who is deemed of sufficient stature to deserve such an honor.

The last state funeral was held on July 4, 2012 for the late National Scientist Perla Santos-Ocampo. The last state funeral for a former President was for the late President Diosdado Macapagal in 1997.

A state funeral involves the following:

  1. Expenses for funeral services are defrayed by the state;
  2. A Book of Condolence is opened for dignitaries in the Philippines and in foreign posts of the Philippines;
  3. The term lying in state is used, which is a term used for public viewings during state funerals;
  4. Arrival, Departure, and Final Military Honors are rendered.

Military Honors involve the following elements

  1. A Flag-draped casket – the national flag is draped on the casket which is later folded and Presented by the President to the widow
  2. Vigil Guard detail – two members of the uniformed service stand guard by the casket
  3. Firing Detail
    • Cannon – a 19- gun salute, rendered to officials of Secretary rank
    • Musketry – a three-volley salute
  4. Taps – a musical piece sounded during funerals involving the trumpet and bugle.

Honors in Naga and Villamor

Upon transportation of the remains of Secretary Robredo, the Philippine National Police will render honors in Pili (Naga) Airport prior to the departure of the casket. When the plane arrives in Villamor Airbase honors will be rendered once again by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (Please refer to Diagram A.)

Diagram A

Honors in Malacañan Palace

The remains of Secretary Robredo will lie in state in Kalayaan Hall, Malacañan Palace. This will be the first time that a wake will be held in Kalayaan Hall.

Traditionally, only the President and former Presidents have laid in state in Malacañan Palace, specifically in Rizal Hall. There have been cases though, when wakes have been held at Heroes Hall.

In Malacañan Palace, arrival honors are rendered by the Presidential Security Group.

II. Public Viewing

Diagram B: Public viewing will start Friday, August 24, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. It will continue the next day, Saturday, August 25, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Above is a diagram of the flow of public viewing.

III. Routes of the Cortege

Diagram C: Route of the cortege from the Archbishop’s Palace to Pili (Naga) Airport: Elias Angeles Street – Peñafrancia Avenue – San Felipe Road – Balatas Road – Cararayan San Isidro Road – Del Rosario Cararayan Road – Pan Philippine Highway – Pili Airport. (Map courtesy of maps.google.com)
Diagram D: Route of the cortege from Villamor Airbase to Malacañan Palace: Villamor Airbase – Andrews Road – Airport Road – Roxas Boulevard – Padre Burgos Street – Finance Road – Ayala Boulevard – Ayala Bridge – Solano Street – Malacañan Palace. (Map courtesy of maps.google.com)
Diagram E: Route from Malacañan to Villamor: Malacañan Palace – J.P. Laurel Street – Nagtahan Bridge – Quirino Avenue – Osmeña Highway – Skyway – Villamor Airbase. (Map courtesy of maps.google.com)

August 23, 2012